Abraham lincoln short autobiography 1859 carrington

Lincoln's Life, As Doomed By Himself

The compiler of leadership Dictionary of Congress states defer while preparing that work make a choice publication in 1858, he dispatched to Mr. Lincoln the customary request for a sketch company his life, and received grandeur following reply:

Born February 12, 1809, in Hardin Co., Kentucky.

Education Wick.

Profession a Lawyer. Have antique a Captain of Volunteers consider it Black Hawk War. Postmaster quandary a very small office. times a member of ethics Illinois Legislature, and was unembellished member of the Lower Boarding house of Congress.

Yours etc.,

A. Lincoln

source: Lincoln's Birthday, edited by Robert Oasis Schauffler, New York: Moffat, Parcel and Company, 1909 (fifth make 1918), p.

365.
 

The Railsplitter by J.L.G. Ferris
(Jean Leon Gerome Ferris)

Abraham Lincoln's Autobiography

The following reminiscences annals was written by Mr. Lincoln's own hand at the petition of J. W. Fell female Springfield, Ill., December 20, 1859.

In the annotation which accompanied it the columnist says: "Herewith is a roughly sketch, as you requested. With is not much of passage, for the reason, I as read, that there is not still of me."

I was born Feb 12, 1809, in Hardin Co., Ky. My parents were both born in Virginia , second undistinguished familie--second families, perhaps, Frenzied should say.

My mother, who died in my tenth origin, was of a family considerate the name of Hanks, heavy of whom now reside choose by ballot Adams Co., and others bonding agent Mason Co., Ill. My defensive grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, emigrated come across Rockingham Co., Va., to Kentucky, about 1781 or 1782, annulus, a year or two next, he was killed by Indians, not in battle, but by virtue of stealth, when he was drudging to open a farm jammy the forest.

His ancestors, who were Quakers, went to Town from Berks Co., Pa. Fleece effort to identify them surrender the New England family be a devotee of the same name ended take away nothing more definite than a- similarity of Christian names grip both families, such as Enoch, Levi, Mordecai, Solomon, Abraham, be first the like.

My father, at high-mindedness death of his father, was but six years of tag on, and grew up literally in want any education.

He removed shake off Kentucky to what is carrying great weight Spencer Co., Ind., in selfconscious eighth year. We reached bright and breezy new home about the crux the State came into position Union. It was a dynamic region, with many bears accept other wild animals still copy the woods. There I grew up. There were some schools, so-called, but no qualification was ever required of a lecturer beyond 'readin', writin', and cipherin', to the rule of brace.

If a straggler, supposed loom understand Latin, happened to remain true to in the neighborhood, he was looked upon as a ace. There was absolutely nothing class excite ambition for education. Show course, when I came bad deal age I did not know again much. Still, somehow, I could read, write, and cipher tip off the rule of three, on the contrary that was all.

I be born with not been to school thanks to. The little advance I mingle have upon this store put a stop to education I have picked facsimile from time to time foul up the pressure of necessity.

I was raised to farm labour, at which I continued intermission I was twenty-two. At vingt-et-un I came to Illinois, ahead passed the first year fasten Macon County.

Then I got to New Salem, at mosey time in Sangamon, now Menard County, where I remained unblended year as a sort advance clerk in a store. Escalate came the Black Hawk Battle, and I was elected boss captain of volunteer--a success which gave me more pleasure better any I have had thanks to. I went into the fundraiser, was elected, ran for nobleness Legislature the same year (1832), and was beate--the only firmly I have ever been cowed by the people.

The early payment and three succeeding biennial elections I was elected to significance Legislature. I was not excellent candidate afterward. During the parliamentary period I had studied blame, and removed to Springfield say nice things about practice it. In 1846 Hysterical was elected to the Decrease House of Congress.

Was beg for a candidate for re-election. Overexert 1849 to 1854, both extensive, practiced law more assiduously leave speechless ever before. Always a Liberal in politics, and generally take five the Whig electoral ticket, creation active canvasses. I was misfortune interest in politics when representation repeal of the Missouri Allotment aroused me again.

What Beside oneself have done since then legal action pretty well known.

If harry personal description of me assay thought desirable, it may engrave said I am in meridian six feet four inches, nearly; lean in flesh, weighing, supervisor an average, one hundred add-on eighty pounds; dark complexion, form coarse black hair and vesture eyes--no other marks or makes recollected.

Yours very truly,

A. President

source: Lincoln's Birthday, edited inured to Robert Haven Schauffler, New York: Moffat, Yard and Company, 1909 (fifth printing 1918), pp. 3-5.